An unlicensed driver accused of traveling nearly 70 miles per hour above the posted speed limit was apprehended by a Marion County Sheriff’s Office K-9 after he allegedly crashed into a tree while fleeing from deputies.

On Sunday, October 26, an MCSO corporal was patrolling the area of Fisher Road when a red sport utility vehicle was observed traveling at a speed of 107 miles per hour in a posted 40-mph zone, according to the arrest report.

The corporal attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the SUV’s driver – later identified as 23-year-old Gainesville resident Joseph Jaques Nathaniel Hamilton – allegedly continued speeding for a short distance before turning onto Malauka Lane Drive.

Moments later, the SUV collided with several trees before coming to a final rest. Hamilton then allegedly exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, according to the report.

Multiple MCSO deputies, along with a K-9 partner, responded to the area and searched for Hamilton. The report stated that the K-9 managed to track down Hamilton, and he was bitten while being apprehended by law enforcement.

After being read his Miranda rights, Hamilton allegedly admitted to fleeing from the attempted traffic stop and crash, which resulted in multiple trees being “destroyed.” Hamilton added that he had two felony warrants, for Robbery (Alachua County) and fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer (Citrus County), and he “did not want to go to jail,” according to the report.

In addition, Hamilton stated that he did not have a driver’s license, and this was later confirmed by MCSO.

Hamilton was placed under arrest and booked into Marion County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond. He is being charged with fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer at high speed, dangerous excessive speeding, leaving the scene of a crash involving damage to property, resisting an officer without violence, and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.

A court date for Hamilton has not been scheduled yet, according to jail records.

In a similar incident earlier this month, another man was arrested after allegedly leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase on Interstate 75 in Marion County. After he was apprehended, authorities allegedly found over 100 pounds of marijuana in his vehicle.